Lifehacker: “A new CFPB report says that some mortgage lenders have failed to follow the law on mortgage forbearance during COVID. Lenders have misled borrowers about their rights, imposed unauthorized penalties, and wrongfully evicted tenants. Here’s what you need to know, and how to report an unscrupulous lender. Know your rights as a borrower  – The CARES Act calls for a total freeze on payments through March 31, 2021 if you claim financial hardship due to COVID. Borrowers of federally-backed loans choosing to enter forbearance will be able to suspend payments, including interest or penalties, for up to 360 days from the date of the request (this does not apply to private loans, but many banks have voluntarily offered 180 days of payment relief). Moreover, the law—in tandem with a recent executive order from President Biden—stipulates that foreclosure and foreclosure-related eviction actions must be paused until March 31, 2021. The CARES Act also includes provisions for withholding of negative credit reporting if relief has been granted…”